Cognitive Disorders in Children

Cognitive disorders in children: Analysis
Cognitive disorders in children can be identified before the age of 24 months. Moreover, children born pre-term have been shown to exhibit poor motor function and behavior that is associated with school failure, even with the presence of average intelligence. Early identification of developmental delays and disorders is crucial. Delays and disorders that go undiagnosed and untreated put children unnecessarily at risk for poor academic, social, and vocational progress (Laing, Law, Levin, & Logan, 2002; Olswang, Rodriguez, & Timler, 1998; Ramey & Ramey, 1998; Snowling, Adams, Bishop, & Stothard, 2001). Conversely, for many children with cognitive disorders, early diagnosis leads to appropriate treatment that, when initiated during infancy and toddlerhood, facilitates the emergence of many skills that would otherwise lag behind or fail to develop (Guralnick, 1998; Ward, 1999).

Cognitive disorders in children: Diagnosis
Cognitive disorders in children might first be diagnosed by pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPS) during a well-being visit. PNPs are well-trained to administer physical examinations while obtaining case history information from the parent or caregiver. Beyond the physical examination, PNPs are expected to assess the developmental (communication and cognition) status of their young patients (New York State Department of Education, 2004). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental screenings for every child on a regular basis during child examinations.

Cognitive disorders in children: A solution
Cognitive disorders in children affect comprehension and production of speech sounds. Communication occurs when there is an exchange of ideas between a speaker and a listener. It is comprised of several processes, including language (the symbolic representation of thoughts), speech (oral expression using speech sounds to form words), and gestures (i.e., facial expressions, body language). Cognition includes non-language mental processes such as attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities. As an infant grows and matures, communication and cognition develop and interact with one another. In preschoolers, communication delays and disorders include any atypical comprehension or production of speech sounds (consonants and vowels), words, phrases, or sentences (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA]). At LearningRx, we train the brain for success. Contact a local LearningRx center for more information, or check us out at www.learningrx.com.